London Olympics 2012: Muscles Are Name of the Game for Top Athletes

Olympic Bodies Then and Now

The Olympics have changed. Athletes are often bigger and more muscular. In the 1976 and '80 Games, Nadia Comaneci, left, reigned over gymnastics at 5-foot-4 and 99 pounds. This year, Gabby Douglas will go for a medal at 4-foot-11 and 90 pounds.

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Olympic Bodies Then and Now

The Olympics have changed. Athletes are often bigger and more muscular. In the 1976 and '80 Games, Nadia Comaneci, left, reigned over gymnastics at 5-foot-4 and 99 pounds. This year, Gabby Douglas will go for a medal at 4-foot-11 and 90 pounds.

AP Images | Ezra Shaw/Getty Image

Olympic Bodies Then and Now

Diver Greg Louganis, left, stood at 5'9" and 161 pounds in the 1976, '84 and '88 Games. Troy Dumais will be diving for a medal in London at 5'6" and 150 pounds.

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Olympic Bodies Then and Now

Janet Evans, left, swam her way to victory in the 1988 and '92 Olympics at 5'6" and 119 pounds. Missy Franklin, at 6'1" and 165 pounds, will try to do the same at the London Olympics.

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Olympic Bodies Then and Now

Lebron James, 6'8" and 249 pounds, plays for the U.S. basketball team at the 2012 London Olympics. Walt Bellamy, right, was 6'11" and 216 pounds when he won gold in the 1960 Games.

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Olympic Bodies Then and Now

Olga Korbut, left, competed in the 1976 and '72 Olympic gymnastic events. She stood 5 feet tall and weighed 86 pounds. Jordyn Wieber, who is 5'2" and weighs 115 lbs., is competing in the London Olympics.

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Olympic Bodies Then and Now

Pablo Morales, left, swam in the 1982 and '84 Olympics. Morales was 6'2" and weighed 185 pounds. Michael Phelps, competing in his third Olympics, stands 6'4" and weighs 194 pounds.

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Olympic Bodies Then and Now

David Wottle, left, won the gold in 800 meter run at the 1972 Olympic Games. He was 6 feet tall and weighed 146 pounds. Usain Bolt, running at the London Olympics, stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 198 pounds.

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Olympic Bodies Then and Now

Diver Michele Mitchell competed in the 1984 and '88 Olympics. Mitchell was 5-foot-4 and weighed 110 pounds. Abby Johnston, competing in the 2012 Olympics, is 5-foot-5 and weighs 134 pounds.